Long ago, in a galaxy far, far away, I was convinced I had stumbled upon the best breakfast potatoes in the country.
OK, it wasn’t a galaxy, it was a breakfast horseshoe in Springfield, and after breakfast at Hazel’s Diner and Bakery, Springfield has been relegated to second place.
Located in the quiet ville of Hebron, IL, on the border of Illinois and Wisconsin, I don’t think I’ve ever been to a place more committed to scratch cooking. All baked goods, breads jams, spreads, donuts, cakes, pastries come from the kitchen.
The restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch daily, except Monday. In addition to the home-made quality of the food, expect massive servings. 
Though technically it was lunchtime, I ordered breakfast – simple, ham and eggs, potatoes, rye toast.
Everything was prepared precisely as ordered and meticulously plated.
The thick-sliced house-baked rye is amazing. Excellent quality ham off the bone, salty and smoky with a very firm bite. I’m a ham snob and this is an excellent choice. Breakfast potatoes, rough cut, roasted, lightly seasoned, are over the top. You may opt for a shredded version as well.
My companion ordered a variation of eggs benedict, poached eggs, strip bacon, artichokes and spinach atop a house-baked English muffin and bathed in silky, creamy Hollandaise in ample quantities. ( “Excuse me, could you bring a tumbler of that and then look away while I chug it?”).
The restaurant is pleasantly decorated with Americana, and service is very small-town friendly. Unisex bathroom is immaculate.
Baked goods are available for purchase, including breads, donuts, muffins and other pastries. There are a few tables outside and they beckon passersby to grab a donut and coffee and watch small town America go by on a lazy summer morning.
The restaurant/town is a mere ten minutes south if you’re staying in the Lake Geneva resort area in Wisconsin. Ask for Amy, server extraordinaire.
Hazels Diner and Bakery Review
Hazels Diner and Bakery Review